Saudi Arabia has just become a much harder sell as a holiday destination. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) now advises against all but essential travel to almost the entire country, a significant escalation from its earlier position of warning people off only certain cities and regions.

The trigger was a strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday 10 October, which killed at least 13 people and injured hundreds more. It came against the backdrop of renewed fighting between Yemen's Houthi rebels and the Saudi and Yemeni governments — a conflict that flared back up in July, with missiles and drones launched at targets across Saudi Arabia since 13 July.

The FCDO's warning is broad. It flags a heightened threat to airports, military and defence buildings, ports and energy infrastructure in cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Abha, Jizan, Najran and Yanbu, plus shipping in the Red Sea. It also warns of possible renewed attacks by Iran. Still closed off entirely: anywhere within 10km of the Yemen border.

Flights are still running from some hubs. Jeddah, Medina and Dammam airports were open for arrivals and departures, though booking systems showed widespread cancellations as of Monday 19 October. Riyadh's airport had its operational suspension extended, and its current status remains unclear. The FCDO's message is simple: confirm your booking and flight status before heading to the airport, and expect further disruption and cancellations.

For Britons already in the country who don't want to fly, the Foreign Office suggests going overland to a neighbouring country and departing from there. That means careful planning: check the transit country's travel advice and entry rules, ensure any vehicle is registered in your own name (or arrange authorisation via the Absher portal), verify that bus or taxi operators are permitted to cross borders, and carry water, supplies and essential medication. Some border crossings have little in the way of onward transport or facilities, so know where your ride will actually drop you. The FCDO points to SAT Transportation for bus services.

The US side broadly agrees. The State Department has a level three "reconsider travel" warning for Saudi Arabia and a level four "do not travel" advisory for the Saudi-Yemen border, while the US embassy urged Americans in the region to stay vigilant and prepare contingency plans for cancellations and airspace closures.

If you've got a trip booked, don't just ghost your airline. Because the FCDO advises against all but essential travel, package holiday customers can usually cancel without penalty for a full refund under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, provided there's been a significant change at the destination before departure. One more thing worth knowing: travel against Foreign Office advice and your insurance may be void.

The practical takeaway: non-essential trips to Saudi Arabia are off the table for now, and anyone with bookings there should talk to their travel provider about refunds rather than waiting it out.

Story via The Independent Travel.